Spurs nearing Van Gaal decision

Tottenham are close to making a final decision on whether to appoint Netherlands boss Louis van Gaal as their new manager.

ESPN understands that the club have held extensive talks with Van Gaal, who again hinted at the possibility of taking over at Spurs while attending the Euro 2016 qualifying draw on Sunday. "Maybe Tottenham are coming," he said.

More pointedly, Spurs sources have said it is fully anticipated that Van Gaal will replace Tim Sherwood as first team coach following the World Cup.

Despite Spurs' 1-0 defeat to Norwich on Sunday, Sherwood has generally impressed in the role since taking over from Andre Villas-Boas in December, but it is felt he may still not be fully ready for the job.

The Spurs hierarchy are said to view this summer as particularly important after the changes of the last two summer breaks - not least the manner in which Gareth Bale's protracted world-record move to Real Madrid disrupted transfer plans - and it is felt a coach with a more impressive CV and greater experience is required.

Van Gaal would clearly fit that description, having managed European heavyweights Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Ajax.

There is also a sense that his background and style of management could allow Spurs to instil a deeper footballing philosophy throughout the club, something that has been of increasing interest to chief executive Daniel Levy.

Spurs currently sit fifth in the Premier League table on 50 points from 27 games, trailing six behind Liverpool who occupy the final Champions League qualifying spot.